Short Courses & Events / Archive

Singing Hot And Cool: The Polyvagal Theory And Vocal Pedagogy

Thursday 17th June 2021, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)

The vagus nerve is closely involved with both the larynx and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The polyvagal theory details the remarkable role of this nerve bundle in the evolution of voice and speech communication, and affirms the power of the voice as an instantaneous transmitter of ANS status, both in daily life communication and between artist and audience. Finally, parallels emerge between the vagus nerve’s contributions to psycho-physiological resilience (the ability to be aroused and calm at the same time) and artists’ descriptions of stage presence. Crosslinks between neurological evidence and the experience of performing arts will support suggestions for vocal pedagogy.

 

REVIEW OF TERMINOLOGY

  • Structures of interest: cranial nerve X (vagus) and its brainstem nucleii
  • Functions of interest: autonomic versus sensory-motor
  • Autonomic (ANS) components: sympathetic (“hot”) and parasympathetic (“cool”)

THE POLYVAGAL THEORY OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION

  • Characteristics of the vagus nerve in animals and humans
  • How “hot and cool” ANS regulation makes speech and singing possible

THE POLYVAGAL VOICE

  • Muscle controls in the vagus nerve: larynx and more
  • Voice as a carrier of ANS signals, in daily life and performance

THE POLYVAGAL THEORY ONSTAGE

  • How performers describe the inner state onstage
  • Is “very hot and very cool” the ANS recipe for stage presence?

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ARTS TEACHERS

  • ANS regulation as a pedagogical goal
  • The importance of training ensembles
  • Suggestions for warm-ups, cool-downs, and performance anxiety
  • The well-regulated teacher

Joanna Cazden

Joanna Cazden, MFA, MS-CCC is a speech pathologist specializing in vocal arts rehabilitation, now in private practice after 18 years as senior voice clinician...

Sorry, this is an archived short course...

We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.

Navigating Vocal Aging for Singers
Thursday 9th October 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)

Navigating Vocal Aging for Singers

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As singers approach their senior years, they can benefit greatly from a voice teacher who understands the normal changes involved as they navigate vocal aging. This course will focus on the realities of aging voices for senior singers and what can be done to address vocal production and peripheral issues that can affect the activity of singing.

Introduction to Vocal Acoustics for Spoken and Sung Voice
Friday 10th October 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday 13th October 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)

Introduction to Vocal Acoustics for Spoken and Sung Voice

Gökçe Kutsal

This course is designed to break down the fundamentals of acoustics for both spoken and sung voice in a beginner-friendly, accessible way — so you can easily understand and apply these concepts to your teaching or research.

Water Resistance Therapy and Semioccluded Devices for Voice Training
Monday 13th October 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Water Resistance Therapy and Semioccluded Devices for Voice Training

Dr Marco Guzmán

Several voice devices to perform water resistance therapy (WRT) and some oscillatory positive expiratory pressure devices (OPEP) (e.g. Acapella Choice, Shaker Medic Plus, New Shaker) are now commonly used for both voice training and voice therapy. Are these devices truly good for voice training? Are these devices the treatment by themselves? and how much evidence currently supports the use of these devices?